Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
November 11, 2021
Read Esther 10:1-3
1 King Ahasuerus taxed the entire kingdom, including the islands of the Mediterranean. 2 Now some may want to know about all the king’s mighty, great deeds. They may also want a full report about how important Mordecai became after the king honored him. Are they not written in the official records of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 Certainly, Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus in importance. The Jews also admired him greatly, and his many brothers and sisters were proud of him. He always wanted to do good things for his Jewish people and to speak up for all his family whenever they needed help.
Good Morning! God lifts us up!
Mordecai was a lesser known character in the Bible. He appears in the Book of Esther because he adopts and raises Esther when her parents died. Within his life, Mordecai exhibits wisdom, compassion, faith, courage, and hope. It is easy to see the blessings from God that Mordecai receives when he is appointed the second in command to the king, but this can overshadow the example that Mordecai set for others.
Mordecai spent years in a lowly position as a guard at the gate surrounded by the poor who would hang out to get a glimpse of those entering the palace area. Mordecai was compassionate to the needs of his fellow Jews and never lacked the courage to stand up for right, even when this put his own life at risk. He was wise in knowing when it was time to share knowledge, and when it was better to wait. He demonstrated great faith and hope as he continued to do what he felt was right, no matter if he ended up standing alone.
For his life of faith, God lifted him up and he became second to the king, but he didn’t forget who he was. He continued to advocate on behalf of the Jewish people, give council to the king, and call upon his Lord and Savior to give him strength. Billy Graham defined God’s purposes for blessings with a similar mindset: “All of these material blessings are gifts from God, given in order that we might humble ourselves, fall upon our knees before Him, and call upon His name.”
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Mordecai shows us to see the world through your loving eyes. Help us remain faithful even when we are standing alone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God lifts up those who follow his call.
Hold true to your faith! Pastor Liz
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